10 Essential L.A. Burgers

L.A.’s food scene is mind-bogglingly diverse, with a culinary landscape that allows you to indulge in any craving at any given moment (as long as you have wheels). But while some of the city’s food trends come and go, one thing never changes: the classic hamburger still holds a special place in the city’s heart. Ask any Angeleno what his favorite spot is, and he will be quick to name names (one of them most likely a favorite since childhood)—and there is nothing you can do to convince him otherwise.

There appear to be two camps of burger lovers these days: those who remain loyal to the classics, and those who chase the luxe burger that comes in at $10 and up. Whatever your burger style is, we’ve got you covered. And who’s to say you can’t love both?

This guide will help you get to know the city’s burgers, all the way from the San Gabriel Valley to South L.A. Conquer these, then move on to tacos. What better way to explore L.A.’s sprawl than through its most delicious cheap eats?

Here are 10 burgers across Los Angeles that you need to try right now.

Hickory Burger at The Apple Pan

Neighborhood: West L.A.
Address and phone: 10801 W Pico Blvd (310-475-3585)
Website:applepan.com
When your tagline reads "Quality Forever" and you've occupied the same real estate since 1947, it's safe to say that your business is doing something right. A lone log cabin sits on Pico Boulevard in West L.A., and for many Angelenos, this burger joint feels like home. Saloon doors swing open to a whiff of grilled burgers and freshly-baked pies that's pure Americana. The Apple Pan's Hickory Burger is a classic, topped with a smokey house sauce, pickles, lettuce, and Tillamook cheddar cheese. Don't ask if they have tomatoes if you don't want to receive a side eye from a 60-year-old man who has better things to do than indulge in your outlandish burger requests. When you want something simple, delicious, and unchanging, Apple Pan is the spot. If you're lucky, you'll be seated next to someone who has been a regular since day one.

Cheeseburger at Pie 'N Burger

Neighborhood: Pasadena
Address and phone: 913 E California Blvd (626-795-1123)
Website:pienburger.com
If you'd like to take a glimpse of what Pasadena looked like 50 years ago, mosey into Pie 'n Burger and grab a seat at the all-wood counter. You might notice a sign at the register that reads "cash or check only"—let that be the first indicator that you are about to bite into a classic, no-nonsense burger. Lettuce, pickles, and onion are the given around here, and if you want American cheese (the default) and tomato, that will cost you 65 cents extra. The patty at Pie 'n Burger has a great char around the outer edges, and each bite results in a gush of hot, beefy juices. The menu hasn't changed in five decades, and hopefully it never will.

Eggslut Cheeseburger at Eggslut

Neighborhood: Downtown L.A.
Address and phone: 317 S Broadway
Website:eggslut.com
Eggslut is a former-food-truck-turned-beautifully-designed-stall at the booming Grand Central Market. On any day of the week, you will witness droves from both the Eastside and Westside patiently waiting for a seat at the coveted counter. For those who love a runny fried egg, prepare to experience some very real yolk porn with this one. Eggslut serves a Wagyu beef patty topped with bacon, melty cheddar cheese, butter pickles, dijonnaise, and your choice of an egg, all sandwiched inside a warm Portuguese bun. Rest assured, every bite is worth the glorious food coma it will induce.

Fat Bacon Burger with Fried Egg at Hawkins House of Burgers

Neighborhood: Watts
Address and phone: 11603 Slater St (323-563-1129)
Website:hawkinsburgers.com
Sometimes excess is necessary, and when that voice inside your head is begging for something that just might clog an artery or two, hop in your car and head straight to Hawkins House of Burgers. Come correct when you pull up to Hawkins, as no one wants to see you faint when you realize you can top your burger with pastrami, hot links, chilli, and fried eggs. That's right, you can order your burger with more than one egg. Wait for your number to be called, then scoop up your piping-hot bag of food and make your way over to a table where you can unwrap the foil like a present on Christmas Day.

Northeast Bacon Cheeseburger at The Oinkster

Neighborhood: Hollywood
Address and phone: 776 Vine St (323-536-9248)
Website:theoinkster.com
The Oinkster has been winning over locals in Eagle Rock for years, so it's no surprise that its newest Hollywood location is a success. The menu here goes well beyond the classic American hamburger, but none of the offbeat creations seem overdone. Out of the eight patties, it's the messy Northeastern Bacon Cheeseburger that makes for the most gluttonous meal. The original versions first appeared on The Oinkster's Burger Week menu as an homage to Carl's Jr's Bacon Western Cheeseburger, but this latest rendition runs circles around its predecessor. The hefty two-hander boasts Nebraska Angus beef, onion rings, bacon, traditional BBQ sauce (made in house), and cheddar cheese on a sesame seed bun. As the saying goes, if it doesn't get all over the place...

PCB at Plan Check

Neighborhood: Mid-City (Fairfax)
Address and phone: 351 N Fairfax Ave (310-288-6500)
Website:plancheck.com
Plan Check was just named one of the Best 101 Restaurants in L.A. by Pulitzer Prize-winning food writer Jonathan Gold. But unlike some of the other restaurants on that list (such as J. Gold's number one pick, Providence), Plan Check is a budget-friendly restaurant, and it's the kind of place where you can get loose while tossing back some beers. The namesake PCB (Plan Check Burger) gets a lot of buzz because of it's one-of-a-kind ketchup leather. WTF is ketchup leather? Dehydrated squares of ketchup and sriracha, reminiscent of Fruit Roll-Ups. Paired with Americanized dashi cheese, schmaltz onions, mixed pickles, and nestled between a "crunch bun," it's a sandwich worthy of your burger bucket list.

Cheeseburger at A1

Neighborhood: Leimert Park
Address and phone: 2915 W Vernon Ave (323-290-1174)
Website: N/A
There's never a shortage of customers waiting in line at A1, the Leimert Park institution holding it down on Vernon Avenue. This buzzy burger stand opened its windows almost 24 years ago, and it's a true South L.A. gem that doesn't get as much city-wide attention as it deserves. The patty is cooked on a griddle, ensuring that the thick, flavorful meat doesn't loose any of its juices. For about five dollars you can snag yourself the A1 Special: burgers, fries, and a soda. Feeling indulgent? Throw on some bacon for good measure. Take note: This stand offers no seats, but it's always a good look to simply hop in your car, roll down the windows, and start grubbing. A1 is one of the last true burger stands in L.A., so take moment to appreciate it while you still can.

Fontina Black Truffle Burger at Cecconi's

Neighborhood: West Hollywood
Address and phone: 8764 Melrose Ave (310-432-2000)
Website:cecconiswesthollywood.com
When you want to feel luxurious without breaking the bank, venture to West Hollywood hot spot Ceconni's to enjoy the fontina cheese and truffle burger. From 4 to 7pm, you can live lavishly under chandeliers and sit at a marble bar while enjoying a ballin'-on-a-budget burger for $7. The patty is made from four ounces of premium beef, slathered with whole grain mustard seeds, topped with crispy pancetta and truffle oil, and sandwiched inside a brioche bun—like many of life's guiltiest pleasures, it's only pretending to be fancy.

Cheeseburger at JNJ Burger Shack

Neighborhood: Culver City
Address and phone: 5754 W Adams Blvd (323-934-5390)
Website:jnj-bbq.com
When you want to escape to a place that has a low-key island feel, just exit Venice Boulevard off the 10 freeway and make your way over to JNJ Burger Shack. In the kitchen you will find husband-and-wife team J and Karen, who have been flipping burgers and smoking BBQ at their no-frills shack for more than 20 years. For those with serious appetities, pass on the go-to bacon cheeseburger and challenge yourself to the Four Finger Burger, which includes two patties, two hot dogs, two slices of cheese, three slices of bacon, and an egg. It might sound slightly insane, but every now and then, you've got to push your boundaries.

Classic Burger at Fusion Burgers

Neighborhood: Highland Park
Address and phone: 5933 York Blvd (323-257-8705)
Website:fusionburgersla.com
There's at least 18 burger options at this Highland Park establishment, which remixes the classic formula with flavors from around the world. There's al pastor meat in Fusion's Mexican BBQ burger, and the Provencal turkey burger is topped with olive tapenade and goat cheese. The restaurant is a family affair, owned and operated by a father and two sons who have each put in years as line cooks at various L.A. restaurants. The pedigree pays off in expert touches like beer-infused cheddar cheese and homemade Thousand Island dressing.

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